Etymology From Middle English servaunt, from Old French servant, from the present participle of the verb servir. Doublet of sergeant and servient. Morphologically serve + -ant. Displaced native Old English þeġn.
1
One who is hired to perform regular household or other duties, and receives compensation. As opposed to a slave.
There are three servants in the household, the butler and two maids.
In the great houses, servants out of livery help to the different plats, servants in livery holding the dishes, sauces, etc., and changing the plates.1837, James Fenimore Cooper, Gleanings in Europe: England:
1 more example
As a political system democracy seems to me extraordinarily foolish, but I would not go out of my way to protest against it. My servant is, so far as I am concerned, welcome to as many votes as he can get. I would very gladly make mine over to him if I could.1915, G[eorge] A. Birmingham [pseudonym; James Owen Hannay], chapter I, in Gossamer, New York, N.Y.: George H. Doran Company, →OCLC:
2
One who serves another, providing help in some manner.
She is quite the humble servant, the poor in this city owe much to her but she expects nothing.
3
Lifestyle, Religion A person who dedicates themselves to God.
Etymology From Middle English servaunt, from Old French servant, from the present participle of the verb servir. Doublet of sergeant and servient. Morphologically serve + -ant. Displaced native Old English þeġn.
Wife, Mother, Child, I know not. My affaires Are Seruanted to others[…]c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]: